I hope this doesn't come across as a dumb question, and I tried looking for the answer already... But what do we put in the "tell me about yourself" field of a provider form? It feels like there should be some mandatory information there, and I put my basic bio and educational background, but is there any "must have" information that I should be putting down?

Nothing about your sexual likes or dislikes though.  That will quickly get you tossed into the cyber trash can.  Unless she specifies something, it seems like she is just trying to get a feel for your personality.  Since I have never encountered a provider form like that, it's kinda difficult to know what she wants from you.  I'd just tell her, like what sports you like, either playing or watching, any hobbies you might have, just keep it simple.

Swim

P411 asks you to put this kind of info into your profile that providers see.  I put in info about drinks I like (soda, wine, etc.)  Some  (very few) actually read this stuff and will have it at their incall.  It always impresses me when a provider does her homework like that.

The "tell me about yourself"field on a provider's website?
If so just put a short intro perhaps you could add a description of yourself for instance height,weight,race,age.
If you have any hobbies you could list a couple if you are a newbie you can put that there as well.
If you are a gent who has references you could put that in the tell me about yourself section as well if you are a member of a verification site.
I do not have a mandatory "tell me about yourself" section on my website but I have had gents send me a short intro with their request for an appointment.They usually include all the info I stated above there is no right or wrong info to put in that field if not specified.

Often ladies like to have a little glimpse into your personality before meeting, so simply share anything you feel might be relevant, or useful for her to know... "I'm an overworked executive who would love to relax, I enjoy the feel of a classic seduction, love to see stockings and heels.  By the way, I'm allergic to perfumes so am requesting that you not wear any when we meet."

Many people have allergies to certain things which could be a big problem for them.  Another thing I just realized when you mentioned fragrances, is for guys that are married who don't want to go home with a fragrance on them that might be a REAL problem.

Swim

Also, the last book you read, the last movie you saw, your favorite TV show, etc.

It's just so she can break the ice with you.

You'll both be better off for it.

it's a business but they don't want to spend time with a guy who has nothing in common with themselves.

I want the guy to tell me something about his life that he is comfortable sharing.  I dont want to seem nosey and ask him about wife, kids, and other personal info.

So I leave this open to share what he is comfortable sharing  "I'm a semi retired gentlemen, long time married, kids out of the house, just looking for some affectionate attention while away from home"

Or "I am in town for three days, feeling lonely and would like the company of a friendly mature woman".

I could care less what you watch on tv or what sports you play.